2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Eclipse GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, and the SE V-6 includes Active Stability Control (ASC). SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now added with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. All models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Eclipse is offered as the GS and the high-performance GT. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 3.8-liter V-6 produces 263 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. Both engines employ Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) to help optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), plus larger, ventilated rear discs on the GT.

Eclipse combines exotic-looking interior design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. Eclipse’s high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH® control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and a 10-in. subwoofer. It is one of the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems available and plays all types of music with stunning clarity and impact.

Key Specifications

• Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
• Length: 179.7 in.
• Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
• Width: 72.2 in.
• Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,274 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,483 lbs.

Major Standard Features

• 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
• 17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
• 50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
• Air conditioning
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
• Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
• Front seat side curtain air bags
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Cruise control
• Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
• Fog lamps
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• Tilt steering wheel
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Eclipse GT adds:

• 263-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission
• 18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
• Center display with outside temperature and compass
• Electronic traction control
• Larger ventilated rear disc brakes

Optional Sun and Sound Package (GS and GT):

• 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Center display with outside temperature and compass (standard on GT)
• Glovebox with damper
• Illuminated ignition key cylinder
• Power glass sun roof
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Rear cargo shelf
• Rear window wiper
• Windshield shade band

Optional GT Premium Sport Package (GT Only):

• 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
• Aluminum pedals
• Aluminum scuff plates
• Automatic climate control system
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated front seats
• Heated mirrors
• Leather front seating surfaces
• Power drivers seat
• Power glass sun roof
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Sword Silver lipless 18-in. alloy wheels

SE Models:

• 18" wheels, Sword Silver finish
• Active Stability Control (V-6 version only)
• Aluminum scuff plate
• Front chin spoiler
• Graphics package
• Large rear wing
• Leather seating
• Unique interior color combination

All Eclipse models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires. The SE models also have Active Stability Control (ASC).

The 2008 Eclipse SE has an aggressive street rally appearance with its chin spoiler, large bold rear wing, alloy fuel door and eye-catching graphics. Inside, the SE models have an unique interior color combination and aluminum scuff plates. The 4-cylinder SE gain 18-inch alloy wheels, which are also newly standard on all GT models for 2008 (Sword Silver finish on SE). The SE model also adds a number of other accessories, including a rear cargo net, cargo cover and wheel locks.

"The automotive landscape is littered with the names of sport coupes that have passed quietly into history," said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The Mitsubishi Eclipse, in contrast, with its ‘attainable exotic’ styling, exciting performance and undeniable value, continues in its fourth generation to appeal to a very broad range of driving enthusiasts. Eclipse is truly an iconic model for the brand."

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Satellite Radio Included

SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now included with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and about 120 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.

The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.) audio system is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs.

The system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s "punch" level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

The Rockford-Fosgate audio system is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models. This package adds a power sunroof with sunshade, plus an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band.
The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT includes those features, plus automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with this package, the GT’s 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive Sword Silver finish.

Two Levels of Eclipse Performance

Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and the GT challenges more expensive sports cars with a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. Both Eclipse automatics feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning

A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar. On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar.

All Eclipse models come equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). All models use 11.6-inch ventilated front discs. Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.

The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17 V-rated tires. New for 2008, the GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels (Sword Silver finish on SEmodels) with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. (The SE model upgrades the 4-cyl wheels to 18-inch alloy wheels with Sword Silver finish.)

Comprehensive Safety

All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of injury during a collision. The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision. Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy, and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact energy.

Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort

Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents. Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD display provides radio, clock and directional indicators. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.

Eclipse’s high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide opening and a low lift-over.

Pricing

• Eclipse GS SOHC 16 Valve I4 MIVEC (2.4L/5M) $19,999.00
• Eclipse GS SOHC 16 Valve I4 MIVEC (2.4L/4S) $20,999.00
• Eclipse SE SOHC 16 Valve I4 MIVEC (2.4L/5M) $23,799.00
• Eclipse SE SOHC 16 Valve I4 MIVEC (2.4L/4S) $24,799.00
• Eclipse GT SOHC 24 Valve V6 MIVEC (3.8L/6M) $23,499.00
• Eclipse GT SOHC 24 Valve V6 MIVEC (3.8L/5S) $24,499.00
• Eclipse SE-V6 SOHC 24 Valve V6 MIVEC (3.8L/6M) $28,599.00
• Eclipse SE-V6 SOHC 24 Valve V6 MIVEC (3.8L/5S) $29,599.00